The Blue Sox clinched the Metro Division Championship on Sunday afternoon in a 7-5 win over the West Bend Spirits.
That's it. That's the article. GO SOX!!!
OCONOMOWOC, WI - True to form, in Johnny Arnold’s last regular season Brookfield Blue Sox and Land O' Lakes Baseball League game, he pitched another quality start, giving up one earned run over 5 innings, and then added a clutch 2 RBI double to put the Sox on the board for an early lead. Nick Rockweiler came up big with a two run double to further the Sox lead by the 6th inning, only to find the scrappy Oconomowoc Five O's tie the game 6 all in the bottom of the 8th. The Blue Sox bats responded huge in the 9th with 9 runs, highlighted by key hits by Sean Walsh, Rey Sprewer, Caden Crawley and Bobby Ball.
Nick Rockweiler had 1 run, 3 hits, including 2 doubles, and 2 RBI.
Rey Sprewer had 2 runs, 2 hits, including a double, 2 RBI and 3 stolen bases.
Adam Hill had 2 runs, 2 hits, including a double, and 1 RBI.
Adam Casali had a double and 2 hits.
Caden Crawley had a double and 2 RBI.
Sean Walsh had a double, 1 run and 1 RBI.
Johnny Arnold had 1 double and 2 RBI.
Bobby Ball had 1 hit, 1 run and 2 RBI.
Scott Bulski had 2 runs and 2 hits.
Thomas Ward had 2 runs and 2 hits.
Tommy Meyer had 1 run and 1 hit.
Pat Tobiasz had 1 hit and 1 run.
Cal Dobbe had 1 hit.
Adam Hill pitched spectacularly to close out the game and earn the win. Nick Nowak played exceptionally well at shortstop and Adam Casali was an absolute warrior behind the plate. Every man on the Sox contributed to the final season victory that sent Johnny on his way to retirement appropriately.
We were honored to be a part of Derek Nelson’s final home game. Having witnessed his 20 year career – not many can say they’ve done the things he’s done, both personally and with the Oconomowoc Five O’s. We will miss him on the field and wish him all the best in his retirement.
It is with very heavy hearts we have to announce that after more than a quarter century in the Land O' Lakes Baseball League and over 40 years of playing America's true pastime, Johnny Anthony Arnold is retiring from Lakes Baseball at the end of this season.
The decision could not have been easy for one of the best, most competitive players in this or anyone’s generation. However, being at his son’s side as his own baseball journey begins is where his heart is...and rightfully so.
Prior to his Lakes career, Johnny had stand out high school and collegiate careers and then played pro ball with several organizations. After his time playing professionally, he came home to the Land O’ Lakes. During his 25 plus years in Lakes, Johnny saw two championships with the Brookfield Blue Sox and the Pewaukee Muskies. A true throwback, Johnny expected, and went!, all 9 innings on the mound. At his best, he was a flame-throwing big lefty that struck out 13 while hitting a couple doubles at the plate - a true two-way player that could beat you with his arm and his stick. If you were to encapsulate Johnny in a stat line with one game it would be this: WIN, 9 Innings, 13k, 1 BB, 2 2Bs, 4 RBI, 2 Runs and 1 sac bunt.
A perennial all star (23 times) and team and league MVP that will never be forgotten, Johnny “Red Ass” was always at his best when his team needed him the most. He never shied away from taking the ball…even sometimes both ends of a double header. As the years went by, Johnny morphed from a flamethrower to his truly best form as a pinpoint pitcher, with several pitches he could use to get you out. At the plate, the occasional home run showed up to further frustrate opposing teams. Memories of championship games, Father’s Day no hitters and All Star appearances will live on in many folks who bore witness. Johnny knew the price and was always willing to pay it to be at his best...even as father time started to win the battle.
As a player, Johnny has done it all and our league will miss him dearly. As a friend and teammate going back almost 30 years, there just aren’t enough words to say. We wish you the very best, brother! Thank you for always being there, wearing your heart on your sleeve and giving everything you had to the game and your teammates. It was truly a pleasure to be a part of it. Where did the time go?
So come out and watch Johnny for the last time this Sunday in Oconomowoc and the next Saturday in Burlington. Let’s send him off in grand fashion! “Big Red” will dial it up on both sides just two more times. We can promise you he will leave it all on the field!
WEST BEND, WI - The Blue Sox just couldn’t capitalize with bases loaded and stranded critical runners, wasting a great pitching outing by Gabe Zielinski, Scott Bulski, Andy Stekiel, Cal Dobbe and Tommy Meyer.
After settling in the 1st inning in his first Blue Sox and Land O’ Lakes start, Gabe Zielinski really commanded the zone and looked good throwing the baseball.
Rey Sprewer had 1 run, 2 hits, including a double, and 2 stolen bases.
Adam Hill had 1 triple, 1 run and 1 RBI.
Adam Casali had 1 hit.
Scott Bulski had 1 RBI.
The Sox have to continue with good defense and pitching in hopes the bats wake up to finish out the season.
OAK CREEK, WI - Although it was a tough day at the plate, the Sox had their chances. After a rough 1st and 3rd inning on defense, a huge two run triple with 2 RBI by Adam Casali in the 6th provided a spark that resonated throughout the ballpark. As the momentum shifted, the Sox loaded the bases, but were unable to do any further damage.
Adam Hill had 1 run and 1 stolen base.
Zach Hunter had 1 run and 1 hit.
Scott Bulski had 1 hit.
Cal Dobbe had 1 hit.
Harrison Phillips had 1 stolen base.
Rey Sprewer had 1 stolen base.
All in all, a pretty unremarkable day at the baseball field. Hoping for better execution next time.
Menomonee Falls, WI - Danny Butler set the tone, allowing just 4 hits in almost 6 innings. Andy Stekiel dominated in 2 innings with 4 strike outs and Brody Cypert closed the door in the 9th with 3 strike outs.
The offense came up clutch when it mattered most with timely hitting from Thomas Ward, Scott Bulski and Rey Sprewer.
Thomas Ward had 1 double and 2 RBI.
Scott Bulski had 1 double and 1 RBI.
Rey Sprewer had 1 double and 1 RBI.
Nick Nowak had 1 run, 2 hits and a stolen base.
Harrison Phillips had 1 run and 1 hit.
Adam Hill had 1 run and a stolen base.
Adam Casali had 1 hit.
Bobby Ball had his first Blue Sox hit and had 2 runs and a stolen base.
Smooth double plays by Zach Hunter and Adam Hill provided defensive highlights in the middle infield and Nick Nowak backstopped his best game in a Sox uniform.
Sox gotta keep those good vibrations happening Sunday against the Jaguars!
Kenosha, WI - The Blue Sox came out of the gate loose and feeling it on Wednesday night in Kenosha, scoring 17 runs in an electric 17-10 team win over the Kenosha Kings.
Cal Dobbe pitched 2 scoreless innings in his first Land O’ Lakes start, commanding the zone with multiple pitches.
Tommy Meyer threw another 2 scoreless, focused innings and Brody Cypert, in his first outing back from injury, threw a scoreless 9th inning to secure the win.
Rey Sprewer had 4 hits total, including a home run, 2 runs, 3 RBI and 1 stolen base.
Adam Casali had 3 hits, including a home run, 3 runs and 3 RBI.
Adam Hill had 4 hits, 1 run and 3 RBI.
Thomas Ward had 2 hits, including a double, 2 runs and 3 RBI.
Zach Hunter had 1 hit, 2 runs and 1 stolen base.
Harrison Phillips had 2 hits and 2 runs.
Gabe Zielecki had 1 hit and 2 runs.
Scott Bulski had 2 runs.
Nick Rockweiler had 1 hit and 1 run.
Thomas Ward made 2 outstanding recoveries at first base and Rey Sprewer was his usual gold glove self in center field.
It was a great team effort that saw contributions from the entire team which resulted in a nice team win.
BROOKFIELD, WI - The Sox failed to string together enough timely hits to earn a victory over Racine in a 5-2 loss.
Mason Ruh showed flashes of brilliance in his first Land O’ Lakes start over six innings of work with 9 strike outs and Tommy Meyer was outstanding in 3 innings of relief, striking out 6.
Rey Sprewer had 1 hit, 1 run and 1 stolen base.
Adam Hill had 1 hit and 1 RBI.
Zach Hunter had 1 hit and 1 run.
Scott Bulski had 2 hits.
Pat Tobiasz had 1 hit.
Adam Casali had 1 hit.
The Sox look to regain our early season offensive form for the stretch run.
Lannon, WI - Danny Butler gave us a strong start and Andy Stekiel and Adam Hill closed out the game effectively while the Sox got timely hitting from Adam Hill, Nick Rockweiler, Scott Bulski, Harrison Phillips and Pat Tobiasz.
Adam Hill had 2 runs, 3 hits and 3 stolen bases and shut the door on the mound, closing out the game over 3 innings with 8 strike outs.
Nick Rockweiler had 1 run, 2 hits, including a home run and 2 RBI.
Pat Tobiasz had 2 runs, 3 hits, including a double and a home run and 1 RBI.
Rey Sprewer had 2 runs, 1 hit, walked 2 times and 4 stolen bases.
Harrison Phillips had 1 run, 1 hit and 2 RBI.
Scott Bulski had 1 hit and 2 RBI.
Zach Hunter had 1 hit.
Nick Nowak had 1 hit.
Scott Bulski, Rey Sprewer and Caden Crawley contributed to two outfield assists to save two runs and Nick Nowak played very good at short.
In a combined team effort, in which all but one player on the bench was used, the Sox staved off the Beavers potent offense.
BROOKFIELD, WI – The Sox rebounded mentally to focus on playing hard and having fun in a 9-1 win over Merton.
Andy Stekiel utilized three pitches to dominate Merton hitters over 5 ⅔ innings, striking out 6 and giving up just one run. Danny Butler closed out the final 3 innings, striking out 5 and giving up just one hit.
The bats were ignited with clutch hits from Harrison Phillips, who had 2 runs, 2 hits, including a double and 3 RBI, and Thomas Ward, who had 4 hits and some of the best at bats all year.
Adam Hill set the table with 3 hits, including a triple, and scored a run.
Scott Bulski added 2 hits and an RBI.
Rey Sprewer had 2 runs, 1 hit and 1 stolen base.
Nick Rockweiler had a pinch hit double and 2 RBI.
Caden Crawley added 1 run and 1 hit.
Gabe Zielinski had 1 run and Cal Dobbe had 1 RBI in their first Land O’ Lakes at bats with the Sox and we look forward to them growing more and more with more opportunities.
Brody Cypert made some great catches in left field and Harrison Phillips played tremendously at third base. Rey Sprewer played his usual Gold Glove center field and Caden Crawley called a fantastic game and was equally outstanding catching.
The Sox played very well in all three facets of the game, while playing loose and hard and having fun. The team worried more about execution than results and it showed in the box and final score. Looking to continue with that approach next weekend.
LET’S GO SOX!
BROOKFIELD, WI – The Sox displayed growing pains in a couple facets of the game and couldn’t overcome a good Sussex squad.
Johnny Arnold had a quality start, pitching 6 innings and giving up 2 runs.
Thomas Ward led the offense with 3 hits, one of which was a home run, 1 RBI and 2 runs.
Rey Sprewer had 1 hit, 2 RBI and 1 stolen base.
Pat Tobiasz had a double and 1 run.
Zach Hunter had 1 hit and 1 RBI.
Harrison Phillips had a double.
Danny Butler had 1 run.
We had some strong defense from Zach Hunter and Adam Hill in the infield, Nick Rockweiler and Rey Sprewer in the outfield and Adam Casali was great, as usual, behind home plate.
Hoping to shake the rust off tomorrow and get back to some Sox baseball.
BROOKFIELD, WI - After a quick Rey Sprewer run in the first inning, the Sox just couldn’t make anything happen on offense for the next 8 innings on the Fourth of July.
Johnny Arnold had a quality start and Tommy Meyer pitched effectively in relief to contain a very potent Bulldogs offense.
Rey Sprewer had 2 hits, 1 run and 2 stolen bases.
Adam Casali had 1 double and 1 RBI.
Harrison Phillips had 1 hit.
Pat Tobiasz had 1 hit.
Caden Crawley had 1 hit.
The Sox bats have been slumping lately. Hoping to jump out of that slump this weekend and going forward.
The Sox dropped a tough one to the Muskies, getting down early by 12 runs in 3 innings and the offense didn’t have enough time to catch up.
Rey Sprewer had 3 hits with a double and scored 2 runs.
Adam Hill had 1 hit, 2 stolen bases and scored 2 runs. He also pitched 5 innings giving up no earned runs and striking out 5.
Adam Casali had 1 hit, 1 run and 1 RBI.
Harrison Phillips had 2 hits and scored 2 runs.
Nick Rockweiler had 1 hit and scored 1 run.
Danny Butler had 1 run.
Sean Walsh had 1 hit and 2 RBI.
Thomas Ward had 1 hit and 1 RBI.
Caden Crawley had 1 hit.
Zach Hunter had 1 run.
Adam Casali and Rey Sprewer made some great plays in the outfield and Sean Walsh and Caden Crawley were very good defensively. Honestly, 10 runs should be enough to win a game, but it wasn’t today.
BROOKFIELD, WI - The Sox lost a tough one to the Dousman Frogs in a grueling 14 inning pitcher’s duel. The Sox pitching staff of Danny Butler, Tommy Meyer and Mason Ruh combined masterfully for 20 strike outs and one earned run, but the offense was lethargic and scored just one run through 14 long innings.
Danny Butler threw 5 efficient innings with 6 strike outs.
Tommy Meyer threw 7 dominant innings with 9 strike outs.
Mason Ruh, in his first Sox outing, threw 2 filthy good innings with 5 strike outs.
Nick Rockweiler had a triple and scored our only run on the day.
Adam Hill had 1 hit and 1 RBI.
Adam Casali had 1 hit.
Harrison Phillips had 1 hit.
Pat Tobiasz had a double.
Nick Nowak had 1 hit.
The Sox and the Frogs both made some incredible defensive plays, but in the end, it was the Frog’s catcher and former Blue Sox bat boy, Cooper Pease, who hit a home run over the left field fence and put an end to the marathon game. If we were going to lose this one, at least it was off the bat of the son of Blue Sox legend and Land O' Lakes Hall of Famer, Jim Pease. It was an incredible game to watch for a true baseball fan.
BROOKFIELD, WI – The Sox got outplayed in two out of three facets of the game and couldn’t overcome a good West Bend team on a rainy Father's Day outing.
Rey Sprewer had 3 hits, 2 runs and 3 stolen bases.
Nick Rockweiler had 1 stolen base and made an outstanding catch running into the left field wall, saving 2 runs.
Adam Hill had 1 hit, 1 run and 1 RBI.
Adam Casali had 1 hit, 1 run, 1 RBI and 1 stolen base.
Scott Bulski had 2 hits, 2 runs and 1 stolen base.
Harrison Phillips had a triple, 1 run and 3 RBI.
Pat Tobiasz had 2 hits.
Danny Butler had 1 hit.
Thomas Ward had 1 RBI.
We didn’t pitch very well, we didn’t play defense very well and we got out hit.
HARTLAND, WI – The Blue Sox got a 3 hit gem from Danny Butler and bats came alive late in the game to propel the Sox to 11-4 victory over the Hartland Oilers at Nixon Park.
Danny Butler was spectacular for 7 innings, with 5 strike outs and giving up 3 hits.
Cal Dobbe made his first very effective Land O’ Lakes appearance on the mound, going 1⅔ innings with 2 strike outs to close out the game.
Pat Tobiasz returned to form, hitting a 3 run home run, for a total of 3 hits, 2 runs and 5 RBI on the day.
Thomas Ward hit another home run, for a total of 2 hits, 3 runs and 2 RBI.
Rey Sprewer had a single and a double, 1 run and 3 stolen bases.
Adam Hill had 1 hit, 1 RBI and 1 stolen base.
Scott Bulski had 2 hits and 2 runs.
Harrison Phillips had 2 hits, 1 run and 2 RBI and made several gold glove plays at third base that saved numerous runs.
Caden Crawley played sound, fundamental baseball on both sides of the ball and had 1 stolen base.
The Sox persisted and made big plays when it mattered to secure a victory in Hartland.
BROOKFIELD, WI - The Blue Sox dropped a tough one at home to divisional rival, the Milwaukee Jaguars.
Johnny Arnold threw very well in his 2021 return to the mound, pitching 5.1 strong innings and giving up 3 runs, but the bullpen couldn’t hold the lead.
Scott Bulski hit a 3 run homerun.
Adam Hill had a single and a double with 1 run.
Nick Rockweiler had 2 hits, 3 runs and 1 stolen base.
Rey Sprewer had a hit, 2 runs and 3 stolen bases.
Adam Casali had 1 hit and 2 RBI.
Andy Stekiel pitched a perfect inning to close the game.
The Blue Sox succumbed to timely hitting from the Jaguars. The game came down to one inning, we got outplayed in that inning and couldn’t recover.
WATERTOWN, WI - The Blue Sox got back to playing Blue Sox baseball on Wednesday night with great pitching, defense and offense.
Adam Hill was spectacular on both sides of the ball, getting on base 3 times with 2 doubles and 4 RBI and was equally fantastic on the mound for 4 innings, striking out 7 with no earned runs.
Rey Sprewer made highlight reel plays in center field and had 3 hits, with a double, 2 RBI and 2 stolen bases.
Adam Casali continues to impress both behind the plate and at the plate, getting on base 4 times with a double, a single and 2 RBI.
Harrison Phillips also played both sides of the ball extremely well, swinging the bat great with a single and 1 RBI.
Zach Hunter had a single and was on base 3 times and Scott Bulski had a double.
Most notable, the mentality, focus and chemistry on this Sox team is exemplary and they look to start a new win streak this Sunday playing more baseball exactly like Wednesday night.
BROOKFIELD, WI - The Blue Sox dropped a tough one at home after starting the season 3-0.
Adam Casali had 3 hits, drove in 3 RBI and was fantastic behind the dish.
Rey Sprewer had 2 hits and 5 stolen bases.
Nick Rockweiler had a fantastic bunt and 1 hit.
Adam Hill had 2 hits and a stolen base.
Harrison Phillips had a hit and was on base three times and Thomas Ward had a hit.
Andy Stekiel pitched 3⅓ dominant innings in relief in his best outing to date, striking out five and giving up 2 hits with no earned runs.
Sox pitching and defense struggled today and we couldn’t overcome a good Pewaukee team.
STONE BANK, WI - The Blue Sox played all three facets of baseball very well with great defense, outstanding pitching and timely hitting by Thomas Ward, Rey Sprewer, Harrison Phillips and Caden Crawley.
Danny Butler pitched 6 strong innings, striking out 5 with 1 earned run and Andy Stekiel closed it out, throwing 1 inning, striking out 2 and giving up no hits.
Thomas Ward led the offense with 4 hits, 2 of which were home runs and 6 RBI.
Rey Sprewer had 2 hits, 1 of which was a double, 3 runs, 1 RBI and 1 stolen base.
Harrison Phillips had 2 hits, 1 of which was a double, scored 2 runs, had 3 RBI and was on base 4 times.
Caden Crawley had a double, 1 run, 3 RBI and was on base 3 times.
Scott Bulski had 2 hits, one of which was a double, and 3 RBIs and Zach Hunter had 1 hit and scored 2 runs.
Nick Rockweiler had a triple, 2 runs and 1 stolen base, Adam Hill had 2 runs, 1 RBI and 1 stolen base and Adam Casali had 3 runs.
An overall great team effort led to a big win in Stone Bank as the Sox fired on all cylinders today.
DOUSMAN, WI - The Blue Sox bats exploded for 11 runs, including 4 home runs, to overcome a relentless, well coached Dousman team.
Sean Walsh got his first Blue Sox hit, a home run, early in the game to set the tone.
Thomas Ward was a triple shy of the cycle, including a grand slam and Caden Crawley collected 3 hits.
Rey Sprewer had 2 hits, one of which was a home run, 2 stolen bases and 2 RBI.
Nick Rockweiler had 3 hits, 2 RBI and 3 runs.
Adam Hill had 2 hits, one of which was a home run and was on base 4 times.
Scott Bulski had a hit, was on base twice and was dominant on the mound going two innings, striking out 2 and giving up no runs.
Andy Stekiel started the game, going 3 strong innings, striking out 3 and giving up one run.
Oliver Potrzebowski got his first action of the year in relief going 1 ⅓.
Adam Hill finished the game on the mound going 2 ⅔ innings, giving up one run while striking out 3.
We had strong D at the corners with Harrison Phillips at 3rd and Thomas Ward at 1st and the outfield played great defense.
The team faced some unexpected adversity this weekend, but their character showed through and got the Sox two big team wins to start the season on a high note.
BROOKFIELD, WI - A great all-around team victory today as the Blue Sox opened the 2021 season at home with a 10-3 win over the Racine Kiwanis.
Danny Butler shook off some rust early on to throw a gem, going 6 innings, striking out 7 and giving up 3 earned runs and Andy Stekiel got the save, going 3 innings and striking out 5.
The offense was led by birthday boy, Harrison Phillips, who hit his first career home run, a grand slam off the scoreboard, for a total of 3 hits, 5 RBI, 2 runs scored and was on base 4 times.
Adam Casali got his first Blue Sox hit today, totaling 2 hits, 1 run and was on base 3 times, all while playing fantastic behind the plate.
Scott Bulski and Adam Hill both had 2 hits, 1 run and were on base 3 times.
Rey Sprewer had 1 hit, 1 RBI, was on base 3 times and played fantastic in center field.
Zach Hunter had 1 hit, 1 run and 1 RBI and Pat Tobiasz had 1 hit and was on base 3 times.
Nick Rockweiler had 1 RBI, with very productive at bats moving runners over.
A balanced approach of good pitching, good defense and good hitting led to a great team win over a very good Racine team.
BROOKFIELD, WI - The Brookfield Blue Sox received an impressive 15 individual Land O' Lakes 2020 League Awards and made their mark on the LOL record books.
Rey Sprewer raked in the honors during his rookie season, as he was named to the All-Rookie Team and was also named 1st Team All-League. He added the 2020 Gold Glove Award and was named both the 2020 Defensive Player of the Year and the 2020 Rookie of the Year, while leading the league in runs (21) and stolen bases (16) on the season.
Avery Owusu-Asiedu was named to the All-Rookie Team as well, 3rd Team All-League, Gold Glove Award, was 2nd in the league for RBI (18) and 5th in the league for runs (15).
Johnny Arnold was 1st Team All-League and was 2nd in ERA with 1.03.
Adam Hill was also named to the All-Rookie Team and was 2nd Team All-League.
Jack Leverenz and Drake Schreihart were 4th Team All-League.
Brody Cypert and Danny Butler were Honorable Mention All-League, with Danny clocking in the 4th most innings pitched (36.2).